#7711
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Immortality
The Quest to Live Forever and How It Drives Civilization
Book • 2011
In this book, Stephen Cave delves into the human quest for immortality, categorizing the various attempts into four narratives: staying alive, resurrection, soul, and legacy.
He explores how these narratives have shaped human history, influencing art, religion, and civilization.
Cave argues that the pursuit of immortality is a foundational aspect of human achievement but also critiques the idea, suggesting that true immortality would be devoid of meaning and potentially destructive.
The book concludes by offering a positive vision of life without immortal aspirations, drawing on philosophical and historical examples such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Stoics.
He explores how these narratives have shaped human history, influencing art, religion, and civilization.
Cave argues that the pursuit of immortality is a foundational aspect of human achievement but also critiques the idea, suggesting that true immortality would be devoid of meaning and potentially destructive.
The book concludes by offering a positive vision of life without immortal aspirations, drawing on philosophical and historical examples such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Stoics.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 2 episodes
Mentioned by 
Arthur C. Brooks in relation to the cognitive dissonance of understanding death but not non-existence.
Arthur C. Brooks in relation to the cognitive dissonance of understanding death but not non-existence.
42 snips
ARTHUR C. BROOKS: the pillars of happiness
Mentioned by Tom Gerencer as having some fun Sheckley stuff in it, but the whole book doesn't seem to hang together.
475. Tom Gerencer on Robert Sheckley
